Chapter 1: Celestial Vault System Activation

"Yesterday, abnormal energy fluctuations were detected in the Atlantic Ocean. It is speculated that a Ninth-grade Beast Emperor has completed its evolution. Coastal regions are advised to activate defense protocols immediately."

"Three weeks ago, a breach in Qingyang City's protective barrier (Yunzhou Province) triggered a large-scale beast invasion, resulting in severe casualties. Zhou Zhenyu, the seventh-grade 'Flame Fist' expert, has identified the cause. Investigation results will be announced at 8 PM tonight."

"Chen Haoran, an outstanding graduate of Tianhai Special Ability Academy, has broken through to the fifth grade and announced his joining of the Blaze War Alliance."

"For the first time in five years, a new S-grade talent has emerged within the United Federation. The ability type is spatial manipulation. This prodigy has already received a special admission offer from Stellar Radiance Academy."

"..."

Lin Ye turned off the holographic screen and pressed his fingertips against his temples, trying to untangle his jumbled memories. Based on the information he'd absorbed, he was certain: he'd crossed over into this parallel world brimming with supernatural powers.

This planet, called Mystic Star, shared technological similarities with his previous world but was dominated by two incomprehensible forces—mutated beasts and awakened Special Abilities. The former were bloodthirsty monsters plaguing the globe; the latter served as humanity's foundation for survival.

A holographic projection from the classroom ceiling cast ability grades above each student's desk: F, E, D, C, B, A, S, SS, SSS. Nine tiers glowed in the air.

Most people awakened only D or E-grade abilities. A minority attained C or B grades. Those with A-grade talents were considered once-in-a-generation prodigies. As for the legendary S-grade and above? Their mere appearance could shake nations and ignite frenzied competition among factions.

Lin Ye stared at the glaring red E hovering at the corner of his desk—last week's citywide ability assessment result.

"Special Abilities fall into five categories: Elemental, Enhancement, Psychic, Natural, and Unique," the homeroom teacher, Xu Haiping, lectured while displaying college entrance exam review material. "For example, our class's Su Yuqing awakened the C-grade Natural-type Botanical Resonance..."

Lin Ye massaged his forehead with a knuckle. Three days ago, he'd died from overwork while pulling an all-nighter in his lab. Now, he'd become this high school student. The cruelest irony? In his past life, he'd researched new energy, yet here, his awakened ability was the weakest electrical type: E-grade Static Control. Though classified under Natural-type lightning branches, its feeble currents could barely light a bulb. Its offensive power likely paled against a standard taser.

"If I had to cross over, couldn't I get a better starting point?"

Lin Ye sighed. He raised his right hand and snapped his fingers. Tiny blue-white arcs danced between his fingertips—his Static Control.

In his previous world, this trick alone would've made him a chick magnet. But on Mystic Star? Utterly mundane. Here, everyone awakened an ability at age sixteen, becoming an "Awakened. 

Abilities ranged wildly: wind and fire manipulation, beast transformation, healing...

"Did I cross over just to become a human taser?"

"I want to crush enemies and become a powerhouse too..."

Lin Ye stared at the flickering arcs in his palm, then glanced up. A blood-red countdown in the hologram's corner stabbed his eyes: "Special Ability College Entrance Exam: 1 Day Remaining." In the Great Xia Nation where Lin Ye resided, the annual June national exam determined entry into elite academies.

Simply put, Special Ability users were the elite.

But note: Awakened individuals were merely awakened. Without training, they couldn't harness true power. Only through cultivation could they evolve from "Awakened" to full-fledged Ability Users, capable of battling powerful beasts.

Self-training took four to five years minimum. But enrollment in an Ability Academy? With mentors guiding them, students could shorten that process drastically. Hence, the exam's critical importance. 

For E-grade talents like Lin Ye? Admission rates hovered below 0.3%.

"Don't transmigrators get cheat codes? Where's my system? My golden finger? Someone save me!"

As if answering his plea, a crystalline mechanical voice echoed in his mind:

"Celestial Vault System initializing... Binding complete. System activated."

"Claim Newcomer Gift Package?"

Lin Ye exhaled deeply, steadying himself. Instead of immediately claiming it, he mentally asked:

"What's in the gift package?"

"200 Ability Points and S-grade ability Nine Heavens Thunder Prison."

"Nine Heavens Thunder Prison—an S-grade ability?!"

Lin Ye's eyes blazed. He didn't yet grasp Ability Points, but S-grade abilities? Those were rare even on Mystic Star! 

The United Federation—a nation rivaling Great Xia—had just seen its first S-grade Awakened in five years. Great Xia itself hadn't produced one in two to three years. And every S-grade who avoided early death grew into a titan, guarding entire regions!

"System, if I claim this, I'll gain the S-grade ability?"

He needed confirmation.

"Affirmative."

Lin Ye shot to his feet, fist pumping: "Hell yes!"

"Lin Ye!" Teacher Xu Haiping rapped his electronic pointer, scowling. "With 24 hours until the exam, is this your preparation mindset?"

"Apologies, sir. A sudden... revelation." Lin Ye forced himself to sit, fingers tracing involuntary lightning patterns on his desk. Whispers rippled through the class.

Though burning with anticipation, Lin Ye knew claiming the gift here was unwise. He suppressed his excitement and feigned attentiveness...